September 2, 2011

To:          Parents and Supporters of Thunderbird Adventist Academy

From:        Office of the Principal
                Office of Education

Re:          Thunderbird Adventist Academy Update

Dear TAA Family:

The school year is off and running.  The campus looks the way it ought to look—filled with young men and women soaking in the Thunderbird experience.  We have many reasons to be thankful to God.  I wanted to take a moment to share some good news with you.

First of all let me share briefly some news on our enrollment.  God is good!  We had budgeted for 112.  We prayed for more, because of all the costs associated with the major transitions taking place.  God has entrusted us with 138 students.  We are delighted to have every one of them.  There have been some growing pains associated with the larger number, but it sure is nice to see the positive spirit among the students.  Keep us in your prayers.  More good news—on Wednesday, we will be taking the name of Wayne Longhoffer to the Education Board as the person chosen to take the reins of Thunderbird Academy for the remainder of the school year.  Mr. Longhoffer is very familiar with the Thunderbird community, having previously served as principal for TAA.  He will also need your prayers and support just as you have showered me with your good will.  The transition will begin immediately subject to the Education Board vote.

I do have one request to ask of you.  Parent’s Weekend was slated for next weekend.  In light of the major overall transitions and specifically the change in principal, we feel it would be propitious to postpone the weekend for the time being.  Please forgive us the inconvenience, but we want the weekend to an unforgettable one for both parents and students.  Please indulge us in this one request.  We will keep you posted as events develop.  We will inform you of the new date once the administrative transition is complete.  Thank you so very much for your patience.

Feel free to contact me directly if you have concerns or questions.  As always.

By his Grace,

Ruben A. Escalante, a servant
Superintendent of Education
Arizona Conference of Seventh-day Adventists